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The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking public input on a potential increase in entrance fees in 2020 for the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge.

In accordance with the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act of 2004, the proposed fee schedule for the refuge will be open for public comment until Dec. 27.

Under the proposal, fees for the daily and monthly passes, as well as beach parking would increase by $5 for the following prices:

Weekly passes: $20 to $25

Annual passes: $40 to $45

Beach parking: $15 to $20

A daily pass for a non commercial vehicle would cost $10 under the increase plan.

The current refuge fees have been in place since 2017. CNWR and Assateague Island National Seashore in Maryland share management responsibilities of recreational lands in Virginia. Therefore, CNWR and ASIS have a reciprocal agreement, which allows visitors to use passes issued by both agencies at either site.

Assateague Island National Seashore officials announced in November they would increase fees by $5 in many of the same categories. The fee increases proposed here for Chincoteague will provide some consistency in fees charged by both agencies.

The annual Beach Parking permit is an expanded amenity recreation fee, which permits expanded access in combination with the Federal Duck Stamp.

This fee allows visitors holding a Federal Duck Stamp to access the recreational beach areas at Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge or Assateague Island National Seashore in Maryland.

Eighty percent of all money collected from the passes, with the exception of the Federal Duck Stamp, remains at the refuge to be used for visitor services and facility improvements.

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Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge visitors get out of their vehicles to take video and photographs of the refuge's signature ponies. A study finds tourism spending associated with conserved land resulted in more than $51 million in economic activity, and about $2.2 million in tax revenue to the two Virginia Shore counties.(Photo: File photo)

Entrance fees support a wide range of projects that improve refuge conditions and visitor experience including; repairs on the historic Assateague Lighthouse, annual maintenance of roads, trails, beach parking lots, visitor health and safety services, fee collection operations; and providing ranger programs and special events, according to a news release.

Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge is a strong economic engine for the surrounding area.

The refuge receives 1.3 million visitors annually who contribute to the local economy.

Refuge Manager Nancy Finley encourages everyone to provide feedback on the proposed fee changes in 2020, which will help the refuge gain a better prospective to make decisions on how to fine tune the proposed changes.

Comments may be emailed to FW5RW_CNWR@fws.gov, or write to the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, 8231 Beach Road, Chincoteague, VA 23336.